Seconding the STD screening. When you get those results back, your OBGYN can tell you how they may (or may not) impact your fertility, and can recommend other tests if needed.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 11:49 AM on October 9, 2008

Not at all. You'll learn a lot, and the other students won't be looking at your drawings (except maybe a glance), they'll be working on their own. But if you want real reassurance, call the instructor and tell them you're a beginner, and ask if the class is appropriate for your skill level.

FWIW, I'd suggest that approach even if it was a still-life class.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 12:40 PM on October 7, 2008

There are lots of local small publishers or magazines (even if you don't ultimately want to work at one) in CT? Call them and ask if they need a part-time volunteer or intern, and help out as much as you can while you're in school.

Experience is really your best friend - lots of fresh-faced recent graduates apply for these jobs and you need to distinguish yourself... and the reference will really help.

And get a copy of Strunk and White,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 3:41 PM on September 29, 2008

Eddie Bauer has some cute wrap tops right now, including some on sale, and most in Tall sizes (which can cover the "too short" problem). With a tank top underneath, this might be one way to go.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 11:25 AM on September 29, 2008

How about this?

Honestly, I'd probably hit the used bookstores and find some of her cookbooks. Most of them are full of classic pictures (hilariously brandishing a whole raw chicken, for example) that you could liberate from their bindings and put in a frame.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 11:44 PM on September 20, 2008

Ebay has some cool things, now that I'm digging. Check out this.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 8:54 AM on September 21, 2008

Google "Wacky Holidays" instead of "international" anything, and you'll come up with a WHOLE BUNCH. Lots involve chocolate/food, which is always fun.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 12:01 PM on September 20, 2008

No one "feels like" jury duty. Yes, it's exhausting, and we all have better things to do - but this doesn't separate you from the other jurors on your panel in any way, and you're likely to embarrass yourself if you claim it does. Yep, it's called "jury duty" and not "jury fun option!"

But, if you want to game it without lying, see if you can defer your appearance until a Friday, preferably before a holiday or long weekend. Fewer juries seem... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 5:49 AM on September 9, 2008

That's a GREAT book, btw.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 2:05 PM on September 5, 2008

Recently
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 4:40 PM on September 1, 2008

The US Navy Memorial might be a good choice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 8:37 AM on August 29, 2008

Rehoboth (and the Rusty Rudder in particular) are great in the off-season, but can be overrun with Dewey-Beach-overflow 20- and 30-somethings in the peak of the summer. I used to be one of them... and, um, I don't think your grandma would enjoy being around who we were then.

If the Delaware shore is interesting to you as an option, I'd recommend enjoying Rehoboth's many attractions, but making your home base in the nearby community of Lewes, which is a more mellow place.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 9:05 AM on August 28, 2008

Oh, and St. Michael's is LOVELY. Quaint, mellow, great restaurants and all-ages attractions. I'm not sure they have golf, though...
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 12:45 PM on August 28, 2008

You may want to get a second litterbox and put it on a different floor (or in a different area) just until he grows up a bit and/or gets used to your place.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 12:40 PM on August 28, 2008

When do the renters move in? Perhaps your mom can bring them a pie, be her terrific and friendly self, and strike a "gentleman's agreement" with them for access through their land. They may not care, and what the owner doesn't know can't hurt her.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 11:38 AM on August 27, 2008

The First Cut is the Deepest - Rod Stewart
Snip Snip Snip - Chumbawumba
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 7:42 PM on August 25, 2008

Dave Brubeck's "Take Five," and Joshua Redman's "Boogielastic."
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 10:59 AM on August 16, 2008

Just looking at the spines on my shelf, I see:

Best in Show (replaces the O with a blue ribbon)
Scary Movie (replaces the A with a Blair-Witch thingie)
Eurotrip (replaces the O with a London Underground-type symbol)
Born Rich (the eye is dotted with a diamond)

... um, the last 3 are my husband's. Not mine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 1:39 PM on August 6, 2008

Friends and I found "Five Weeks to Winning Bridge" a great starter book.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 9:45 AM on August 5, 2008

Anisette?
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:48 AM on August 3, 2008

Crap, hit "POST" too quickly. I meant to also point you to Wikipedia's list of anise-flavored liqueurs and spirits, so see if any of these ring a bell:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Anise_liqueurs_and_spirits
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:49 AM on August 3, 2008

Dupont Circle. I loved living there for the same reasons you're looking for. Easy metro, bars, restaurants, bookstores, rallies on the circle, etc.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 7:33 AM on July 26, 2008

Take the "crazy chinatown bus" (like BoltBus) to downtown DC, then jump on the metro (2 blocks from the bus dropoff) to West Falls Church or whatever is closest to your Herndon friend. They can pick you up there. You can't easily take public transport to Herndon.

Another bus service, Vamoose, goes to Rosslyn VA which is incrementally closer to Herndon than downtown DC, but not by much. There's a metro there too that can get you to West Falls Church.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:11 PM on July 22, 2008

Kelly Link! Either her first short story collection, "Stranger Things Happen" (available here as a free download thru Creative Commons) or her second, "Magic for Beginners" (amazon).
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 7:43 AM on July 21, 2008

Grinder. ALWAYS. At least in Connecticut.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 8:27 AM on July 8, 2008

Give up, as gracefully as you can. The odds of being able to convince them of "your side" are slim, you're in their house, and it's only a few days.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 5:20 PM on July 1, 2008

I should have added, if you MUST stay together, spring for a hotel room nearby for the duration of your visit. Win win.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 5:21 PM on July 1, 2008

The issue is that you have a new policy that says "no non-work apps on work computers," but the higher-ups are asking you to violate this policy. To cover your butt, I'd recommend asking each of them for an email explaining why iTunes is necessary for their work (podcasts, perhaps?) then you can go ahead and install the apps for them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:51 AM on June 17, 2008

We call our cat the Biffer because he doesn't make it up onto the bed - oh, say 2 out of 10 times he tries. But he's a fat, older cat and we don't expect too much. Love 'im as he is.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 5:17 PM on June 16, 2008

We have a rod attachment that comes up from the tub and goes all the way around, and we use three curtains so they overlap a little, with a "seam" in the front where you can climb in.

For storage, you have a bunch of options. Here are a few, Amazon has others. Search "tub caddies" or "clawfoot tub accessories." We actually have a little clamp-like thing that holds a soap dish and a round basket for a scrubbie like this.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 3:49 PM on June 16, 2008

I heard it too. I'm sure it *was* TAL, but now I can't find the episode using their search.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 2:58 PM on June 16, 2008

Science! nailed it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 2:59 PM on June 16, 2008

Also, frankly, I'd take issue with "a city that tends to be fuller of younger, more transient professionals." If this is how you see DC, maybe you're just going to the wrong activities/social spots. Branch out from kickball leagues and Adams Morgan dive bars, and you may find a more diverse crowd to hang out with. You know the routine: take a class, go to a book signing, do what you can to find a group with similar interests as yours. The rest will follow.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 8:17 AM on June 12, 2008

Big deep drawers under the counter for pots and pans, utensils, pantry items, trash, recycling, etc. instead of cabinets. I did some, but if I was doing it over, I'd do the entire space that way.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 8:26 AM on June 11, 2008

Oh MAN, "John Thompson" and, even better, "A Dozen a Day!" I haven't seen or thought of that in years, Xere, and it ALL comes rushing back as soon as I see that green cover. Thanks for the memory! I can attest that these were great ways to start learning the piano at about that age.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 7:22 PM on June 2, 2008

Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere comes instantly to mind.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:19 AM on June 2, 2008

When I was a kid in New England, we weren't supposed to go barefoot or sock-footed in the house. Shoes were preferred, slippers were acceptable (if only family was around). My family was very energy-conscious so the house was always chilly, and my mom hated the idea that we would wear through our socks. It was a practical thing.

Nowadays I'm barefoot if I can possibly be so.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 2:28 PM on May 26, 2008 marked best answer

FWIW, the places I've stayed in Italy don't have drop-down casement windows, so those slidey temporary screens won't work - the windows open from side-to-side and there are louvered shutters. But FWIW I don't remember a problem with mosquitoes in any of the trips I've taken - maybe it depends on the time of year.

I'd bring soft mosquito netting, thumbtacks, duct tape, and masking tape to cover several contingencies. You don't know what kind of window frame you'll encounter.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 8:03 AM on May 20, 2008

Riding on top of the double-decker bus is a great thing to do on your first day, it really helps you get the lay of the land, and may show you some things you'd like to investigate further.

The new Nationals ballpark is really cool, and I think the team is in town over that weekend. You can totally buy tickets at the stadium, and it's right on the metro.

The Udvar-Hazy Air & Space museum (out near Dulles) is super-cool but not at all... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 9:34 AM on May 15, 2008

Hugh Hefner! I think he's 82.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:05 AM on May 15, 2008

Some good ideas previously here and here .
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 6:03 AM on May 14, 2008

Since there aren't enough success stories posted in this thread: I've posted to MeFi and had tons of GREAT responses, quickly (and repeatedly) hiring a bunch of talented MeFites for non-tech-type writing gigs. MeFi is now my go-to place when I need excellent, snarky, savvy people. So hang in there, there's hope for Jobs yet!
posted to MetaTalk by nkknkk at 6:07 PM on May 12, 2008

loiseau, I'm so sorry! I tried to at least reply to everyone but I got a ton of responses (I guess there's an indication that gig-type jobs are in demand) even after I'd filled the positions, and I must have missed you. My apologies!
posted to MetaTalk by nkknkk at 7:26 AM on May 13, 2008

There's no "giant list" largely because it's a dozen vendors with multiple locations. The About.com Guide to DC lists these, which looks fairly comprehensive to me:

* Ben's Chili Bowl
* Boardwalk Fries
* Cantina Marina
* Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Co.
* Kosher Sports
* Krazee Ice
* Hard Times Café
* La Piccola Gelateria
*... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2008

re: tittergirl's point, the metro stop at Capitol South (blue/orange) is just a little further away but is still a very do-able walk. It's my choice for LEAVING the game no matter what... the escalators at Navy Yard just can't handle all the people leaving after the game and it gets really clogged up there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 1:22 PM on May 9, 2008

I LOVE my Hyundai Elantra Sport (with the hatchback) and I bought it new for <$14k in 2004 and it has not given me a MINUTE's trouble... and I don't take great care of it, either. A great city/family car.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 1:04 PM on May 9, 2008

A google search for "engraved rocks" turns up a TON of companies, including folks that will print your own encouraging words. Here's just one...
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 12:56 PM on May 9, 2008 marked best answer

Nthing "give him some time." Our "new" older cat hid for a few days, then explored only at night for a few more days, then came out to see us (but RAN if anyone else came by), and only now (3+ weeks) is starting to come out when other people are around. Even now, he's still pretty skittery with loud noises and things.

It IS better if you don't make a big deal every time he emerges. Say hi, make eye contact, look away. He'll come to you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 5:17 AM on May 9, 2008

Seconding the Vine, but also suggesting Amalah's Advice Smackdown.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 7:54 AM on May 5, 2008

FYI for others looking to weigh in, WAKA is the World Adult Kickball Association. I've known friends who never played (some never INTENDED to play), but attended the happy hours and social events with their team. You can still get value out of the money you've paid.
posted to Ask Metafilter by nkknkk at 7:20 AM on May 5, 2008